Strategies for the ones who try to achieve too much in one day.
Whenever I start a busy busy day where I have a million things I need to accomplish I begin a list, just like everyone else. Now — I am an overachiever, and I mean this in the least flattering way possible. I over inflate my ability to accomplish to the point where is unrealistic — the day would need about 8 more hours for the list to be successfully achieved.
TWO-STEP LIST VERIFICATION
Its annoying but necessary, when online accounts ask you to two step verify your email. Begrudgingly you do the equivalent of muttering under your breath as you put in the 118274 code on your phone. Just like that, do a two step list. [1] First list is the overachiever in you flexing the amount of things its inflated sense of capacity thinks it can do. Please DO go crazy on this first list, include cleaning the fridge in crazy. After you write your initial to-do list, [2] do a second list in which you organize the tasks into what you need to do immediately, what would be great to do today, and what you want to do today.
WITHIN YOUR LIST — [3] PRIORITIZE
Somethings you’d like to get done by today, but others absolutely NEED to get done today. Often times the increased priority makes the task even less attractive. Make sure you are balancing your own desires and the expectations others have of you related to that task. Don’t be a people pleaser, but don’t be a purposeful “displeaser”, and there is nothing worst that not coming through and fulfilling a commitment, whether in school, work or personal endeavors.
GET THINGS DONE BUT [4] SPRINKLE SOME SPONTANEOUS PERSONAL ACHIVEMENTS
So today I have to finish a layout, catch up on some stair redlines, finish doing the changes for a duplex, and schedule in a site visit for Wednesday. For school I have to finish reading a book and prepare for a meeting about said book right after work. Those are my main tasks. But I have my own photography company and have some things in there like getting back at clients emails, and researching some items for upcoming shots. These tasks are not super crucial but would make me feel like I control my destiny while simultaneously being productive. Achieving these small personal project tasks through the day will keep you motivated and on a high note that will allow you feel more fulfilled as you go through your less exciting tasks.
HOW TO “GET THROUGH”
I am writing this article today because I felt overwhelmed, didn’t sleep that much, but I made all these commitments I want to achieve. As you read this you are probably wondering… so what are you doing here? Typing this up? The reason is because I was having technical difficulties connecting to the company servers, my internet was acting weird, and my sleep depravation exacerbated it all. It caused some frustrations, and when frustrated I need a creative outlet that allows me to get through it. Some days is doodling, other days drawing plans for fun, taking pictures or even exercising! Doing things that inspire you and motivate spontaneously through the day that aren’t in any list is a great mental health forward strategy to get through. You do have to time yourself and not allow yourself to procrastinate indefinitely. That is why I severely recommend staying away from your phone and social media and doing something pseudo-physical that engages you (walking, painting, drawing, dancing). Whatever it is [5] do something that allows you to express yourself in short bursts, something that makes you feel liberated and happy for 15–30 minutes, instead of scrolling mindlessly through your phone.
Goal generation at the beginning of the day allows you to be more organized and focused. By being more organized and focused allows you to sprinkle in tasks from personal projects or even hobbies that allow you to get through frustrations during the day. The more you do this method, [1] & [2] goal generating, [3] prioritizing, [4] sprinkling personal project tasks, and [5] expressing yourself intermittently — the better you will become at balancing the things you actually want to do and achieve. You will be happier and more fulfilled when the day is over, because you will feel in control of your own life, and not a servant of others desires and needs. You are the owner and director of your time — so spend some time making sure you achieve and fulfill all your commitments, but also make sure you are enriching your inner creative soul by allowing it to express itself throughout your day.
If you like the ideas presented, but need help visualizing how they would work for you, feel free to contact me directly at adevarias@gmail.com, where we can take a look at your particular situation and make it work for you.
